Manchester United to target Everton duo?

A twelve point lead at the top of the Premier League with just seven games to go, Manchester United should no doubt be celebrating a 20th league title in May.

However, strength in depth is the key to long term success, and targeting two experienced Premier League players, and two starlets outside of the league could help Sir Alex Ferguson's men continue their dominance.

Marouane Fellaini | Everton

It has been well documented that the Premier League leaders are in need of a central midfielder who can dictate the flow of the game. Everton's six foot four Belgian international has been linked with a move away from the Merseyside club for much of the current campaign. It's not hard to see why, the goals and performances of Fellaini so far this season have been crucial as his side remain in contention for a top four finish in the Premier League.

Michael Carrick has been the only reliable centre midfield player for United this season. The league leaders have had to rotate the midfield regularly this season in order to accommodate the ageing Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs and also the up and coming Tom Cleverley. Many feel that Fellaini would be an excellent addition to the squad and would add some much needed presence at the centre of United's starting XI.

There's certainly no question that the Old Trafford club will face competition for the Belgian midfielder's services from the likes of Chelsea and maybe even neighbours Manchester City but with eleven league goals so far this season, Fellaini would slot into any Premier League team nicely, even with Everton reluctant to lose him.

Leighton Baines | Everton

While United's first choice left-back Patrice Evra has been criticised for his performances over the last two seasons, is it now time for the team who are on the brink of becoming Premier League champions once again to invest in a long time target? That being Everton's Leighton Baines.

The England international is known for his work rate and ability to roam forward as well as providing sufficient cover at the back meaning United would never be short of support.

The left-back has represented England fifteen times and many claim it's his time to overtake Ashley Cole as the country's first choice in that position. The 28-year-old has been a key figure for Everton since joining the Toffees in 2007 but if he aims to win titles on a frequent basis before the end of his career, he will need to move on, and Old Trafford could be his destination.

Alex Buttner has been unsuccessful in challenging Evra for the right to be United's first choice left-back, this could see the Dutchman being loaned out or maybe even sold in the summer.

Baines on the other-hand with his experience and ability will take on the Frenchman for the position and if the move goes through, Baines could be United's first choice left-back by the time the new league season commences in August.

Garay is composed on the ball and is a good reader of the game much like the former England international, therefore it is no surprise that the Premier League leaders are interested in capturing his signature.

Currently at Benfica, Garay has competed in both the Champions League and the Europa League for the Portuguese side this season and the 26-year-old has already represented his country on eleven occasions.

His vision for playing the ball out of defence would be vital and if the club end up signing Garay this summer, United will have gained a great passer and a player that is no doubt a ''footballing centre-half'' something that is rare in his position.

James Rodriguez | Porto

Another Portuguese based player, Rodriguez is being touted as one of the world's best young talents.

The 21-year-old can also play as a winger and should United make a move for the youngster in the summer and are successful in completing the transfer, it could possibly spell the end of Nani's career at Old Trafford as the winger has been out of favour much of this campaign and has been linked with a move away from United for the majority of this season.

The fee for the Columbian star could be a stumbling block as Porto's asking price for the player is £36 million, however if United are willing to pay this amount and put their faith in the youngster it could turn out to be a real coup for Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

Who do you think the Red Devils will sign in the summer and how will they add to the team?

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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